I do not play.

Just wanted to say that our library has Ukulele classes that are very popular. Check with your library to see if they may be available for granddaughter.

It's very easy to learn 3 or 4 chords that accompany anything you can sing. When I was little I got a Mousegetar, basically a plastic ukelele with Mickey Mouse's face on the front. A few years later I got a real uke. A bunch of my friends had one. First thing we could all play: 26 Miles.

The ukulele is so much fun! You can’t help but be happy when you play one.

My daughter and I went to evening classes a few years ago and had the greatest time.

We even played in a community Christmas concert. We played Vance Joy’s Riptide and of course sang.

They’re very easy to play. Oh, and did I mention fun!?

Here’s mine with a Starry Night strap💕

Thanks! Right now DS is having second thoughts because he needs to ask her first if she's interested in a musical instrument. Yeah, spoil the surprise. I'll let you know how it turns out. I think it should be a surprise. Period. Don't you? ;)

It's not difficult. Son/daughter/husband all taught themselves. Son was already a guitar player.

It really isn’t difficult at all! I play the piano and cello but ukulele group classes were so much fun! We had ukulele playoffs. Our group were the Ukular Explosions. Any age can do it.

I'd prefer it be a surprise, but I'd also prefer knowing she'd be happy with a ukulele. If her desire is to play guitar, it could be a step towards that -- I inow people who play both, but she could see it as a watered down version or what she really wants and a disappointment. Sounds like DS questions whether she would have interest in either. Does she enjoy singing? A ukulele is about the easiest way to have accompaniment for solo or group singing.

Lascatx, she's shown an interest in guitar, but she's so petite it would swallow her. lol She's very quiet unless around friends and I know she's a Swiftie and into teen music.

I remembered my 13 yo self and stood in front of my floor length mirror using something as a mic and singing to the radio. I told DS that one of the nice things about learning the U. is she can go into her room and quietly sing to the U, like many girls that age do.

If she doesn't like the U, my feelings wouldn't be hurt if she returned it. But I know DS would take it over and get her interested.

Rox, I'm soooo jealous! Ukular Explosions, LOL!!!

I would love to take uke classes! I have one hubby gave me years ago, but trying to teach myself didn't get very far - and I'm just terrible with learning instruments. I love music and singing, but my hands just don't seem to be able to coordinate. I did manage to play a few chords, but could never memorize them or strum with any rhythm and sing at the same time.

I recall learning that George Harrison used to always carry a uke when traveling.

Not sure if a surprise is necessary - would a casual question about which musical instruments she likes or thinks she might be good at give it away?

Oakley, if she’d prefer a guitar, can you buy them in various sizes? DD started taking violin when she was 4 or 5. The violins were sized to her. I think the first was a 1/8th size.

We took a family trip to HI right after DD and DSIL married. One of the funnest (most fun?) things we did was tour the Kamaka ukulele factory. DSIL is very musical. He and DD bought a beautiful uke as a souvenir of the trip. Kamaka may be a bit more than you want to buy for a beginner, but if she takes it up and continues on with playing the ukulele, you might want to look into a Kamaka for her.

FWIW they do make smaller kid size guitars. They are called short-scale guitars ... i think typically a 3/4 size is good for teens. As with many things, there is a wide range of prices.. usually starting around $100 for a decent guitar and can go up into the 300/400 range.

I am not sure that wanting to play the guitar translates to wanting to play the ukulele... especially in the teen years.

Funky is right -- they make scaled guitars, just like violins and other strings. If she were 8 or 10, or if she is not one to commit to big projects, I'd say get the ukulele, but at 13, she may see that as an insult or gramdma is old and doesn't get it. OUCH for both of you! I'm all for a ukulele but for that one factor. I wanted a piano and to learn to play so badly -- probably near her age, when my dad bought an organ. One of those with the canned rhythms and such -- cuz that's what HE wanted. I never did learn to play piano and I always resented that organ -- even though I did play it more than anyone else in the house.

If you want to try the ukulele, get a nice one, not a toy, but it doesn't have to be professional either - just something truly playable with a nice sound and that will hold a tuning. Then tell her that your thoughts were that she could learn chords, get a feel for playing strings and she could always have and take a ukulele almost anywhere. If she enjoys that and wants more, then promise her that at a certain time -- maybe for her next birthday, you and she will go an pick out a guitar together. If she has yet to have that big teen growth spurt, you could also tell her you would rather buy her one guitar when she is nearer her adult size so you don't have to soon turn around and buy another. That's valid and lets her know you aren't discounting her desire to play guitar. But give her a goal and a promise she can work towards and a reason. A ukulele doesn't mean she won't get a guitar the same way an organ meant there would never be a piano in the house for me.

That's my thoughts as a parent. But, having never played ukulele and having played only a bit of classical guitar in high school and going into college, I'd want the advise of someone who plays guitaras an adult. I just thought of someone we know. He is the fine arts director in a neighboring district, former choir director and taught guitar/music theory in high school. His wife is the theater teacher at our sons' former HS. I could run this by him and get an adult player, parent of teens and teacher perspective.

I'd say get the ukulele, but at 13, she may see that as an insult or gramdma is old and doesn't get it. OUCH for both of you!

The Taylor Swift ”Swifties” and the Billie Eilish fans wouldn’t see it as an insult. Music should be fun, and shared.

It’s probably best to ask her what she would like, though.

Oh my, a uke is a great gift for most 13 year olds. Especially right now. Happy!

Proof (TS and Uke)

https://youtu.be/3SKbh8UxkTQ?si=wOocW6SyxyhDmodn

Billie Eilish and her ukulele (and dog)

Agree that she might love a ukulele, and it’s a wonderful idea…but if she has her heart set on a guitar, I’d get her a guitar. When I was 10-13 (long, long ago) I took weekly guitar lessons, a truly life-changing experience. FWIW, thanks to my supportive parents, I first had a 3/4 Martin guitar, and by the time I was 12, a full size Gibson with a narrow neck, perfectly sized for my hands; both were steel string. I still have both these treasures, 60+ years later. Perhaps a great gift could be a trip (with you and her dad) to a really good music store, where she can choose her own instrument.

My cousin is a music teacher and he plays the uke...at their wedding he wrote their vows in a song, played it for her and has his bestmen be back-up singers. It was terrific!

Oh, wow, AD. When I read stories like that I wish that I knew such clever and talented people! (Actually, I wish I were that clever and talented!)

She merely said a couple of times she might want to learn guitar someday. I'm not getting her one, it's a uke or nothing. :)

So glad there's both Taylor and Billie playing the ukulele! I searched and searched for one with Taylor and never found one.

I sent both to DS. But here's the thing. She turned 13 in September, and out went the little innocent girl who never raised her voice, to a Jr High girl who behaves like she has PMS 24/7. DS told me today how she's been bratty, sassy, tempermental at home. We both cracked up because I remember those days well.

I'm afraid if I surprised her with one she'd say "WTHeck is this?" LOL She wouldn't though, so ds is going to test her out to see if she may be interested in a Uke.

She's a cheerleader, softball player, and rides horses. Yesterday she rode in the basketball homecoming parade in a float. Her popularity has gone to her head a bit. It's all about her and her friends. 🤣

OK, if she said she might like to learn to play guitar someday, that's very different than what I was hearing before. I don't think you'd crush her with a ukulele. They are popular, with pros and amateurs alike -- and I think they are a perfect entry into a stringed instrument for someone who isn't totally committed and heartset on playing guitar (or a piano). And they are simple enough that she doesn't need to be seriously committed to playing and lots of lessons. Sounds like she's busy as it is -- but wouldn't she and the other kids she's busy with have fun singing their favorite tunes? Sorry if I sounded a bit harsh before. I just wanted to raise the one situation, but it's not that. I don't think she'd say "what the heck is this?". As pointed out, some artists very popular with the younger crowd are playing them and keeping them popular and fun. If she is involved in cheerleading and athletics, she is in a group where at least some of her friends will think that's such a great gift. So, next -- wood tone or her favorite color?

Lascatz, this is what I wrote in the first post, " (ds) He said it's a great idea and DGD has mentioned before how she may be interested in playing a guitar."

After I sent the two videos above to DS, his girlfriend told me today that he's started to get excited about DGD getting a Ukulele, and how he can learn to play also. Once she sees him play, and she watches Taylor's video, she'll love it. I think the whole household will want to learn.

I was only jesting about "WTHeck is this?" only because the hormones are kicking in. lol

When the boys were growing up I was forced to listen to Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder), GunsNRoses, and I loved them, don't get me started about THE best guitarist, Slash. :) And Metallica. Eddie Vedder has an album with only the Ukulele and I sent a song to DS. haha

It's a small school & it's not like she has a big social life.

The word that kept standing out to me when describing a Ukulele is "happy." Yes! Yes! At the beginning of Taylor's video she says the same thing, and I told DS about it, it;s just a happy little instrument.

I sent this video in case DS hadn't seen it before. Did you know it was the longest running song on any of the Billboard's song charts? Over 300 weeks! He passed away in 1997 at 38 due to his weight.

This picture was taken during the summer of DS playing for his nephew. Sweet.

My maternal grandmother played the ukulele. I wish I knew what happened to it, as I would have liked to have.

Oakley, guitars are made in various sizes. DD2's DH plays the guitar and has several. He plays a little almost every night. When DGD2 couldn't even walk, she was interested in helping him play. When she was 1yo, he bought her a child's guitar. He can even play hers while she sings along.

I played the flute and piccolo for six years in HS (marching/concert band, 1st chair for 5yrs). I was in an Army Reserve band as a young adult (toured two weeks each summer). I was hoping to pass along my flute to one of our granddaughters. I still have hope.

Allison, I'm amazed at all the talent here. Have you played the flute for your GD? There's always hope! We have about 5 guitars between the two houses, along with Dh's brother who comes out and plays. Let's just say I'm glad the boys have moved out and I don't have to suffer listening to loud amps anymore. One plays the Base.

I figure if DGD learns the Ukulele which is easier than a guitar, she can always use one of DS's guitar or he'll get one for her.

I'll have you know I can play this song by memory. I do it just like he does! 🤣

Randomly, a friend sent this to me today. Seems apropos of this thread.